Curwensville Dam
Key Takeaway
Curwensville Dam is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 131 ft (taller than 97.7% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 2,850 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 209.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 790 acres |
| Drainage Area | 365 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 164,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00003 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Baltimore District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Curwensville Dam?
Curwensville Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Curwensville Dam?
Curwensville Dam is owned by USACE - Baltimore District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Curwensville Dam built?
Curwensville Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Curwensville Dam?
Curwensville Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Curwensville Dam?
Curwensville Dam has a dam height of 131 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Curwensville Dam last inspected?
Curwensville Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.